In a recent communique issued by the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Moussa Faki Mahamat, the AU attributed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the denial of fundamental rights to the Palestinian people, particularly their right to an independent and sovereign state. The Chairperson expressed deep concern over the current Israeli-Palestinian war and the severe impact it has had on the lives of civilians in both Israel and Palestine, with reports indicating a substantial loss of life among civilians and military officers.
As per the communique, the Chairperson highlighted the centrality of recognizing the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that the denial of these rights constitutes the primary cause of the enduring tension between Israel and Palestine. The statement further detailed the human toll of the conflict, noting that over 200 Israelis have been reported killed according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, while at least 256 people in Gaza lost their lives in retaliatory Israeli strikes, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The AU’s Chairperson called upon both Israelis and Palestinians to cease military hostilities promptly and return to the negotiating table without preconditions. The objective is to implement the principle of two states coexisting peacefully, thereby safeguarding the interests of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
The communique underlined the urgent need for the international community, particularly major world powers, to fulfill their responsibilities in ensuring peace and guaranteeing the rights of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. The AU’s stance reflects a call for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a lasting resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both parties involved.
